Tag Archives: system

Systematic – In the system

In everyday life, we are part of an unknown and unseen system. Buses, trains, and airplanes are scheduled to arrive and depart at certain times. This flow of scheduled transport in the world makes the society work like an oiled machine. Once you are a part of the system, it is difficult to understand these networks and their laws. But when you view the system from a distance and over time lines and patterns appear. In this work in progress, Tobias is designing images that bring forth patterns as visualisations of mechanical systems and Big Data.

Digital Awareness Campaign

The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer Der Staten Generaal) asked Tobias to pitch his ideas on the internal security of the building. Although we often think about physical security, the digital world can also be a threat we are not aware of. With the campaign called “Zeef”, the digital threat is made visible through the fears humans instinctively have for insects and “bugs”. By harnessing our innate phobias of pests, critters, infestations, and infections, the images highlight the necessity to protect oneself in the digitally connected world. Of course the digital world is an abstract place, but with child-like visualization it comes alive. In every image a question is asked to make the spectator curious. The campaign consists of a total of six images which display “bugs” in the system. The “bugs” can do harm to the organization on a digital level, which essentially can do more damage than a physical threat.

Built from computer parts and everyday used office materials like computer mice, routers, and Internet cables, these images tell this story. The campaign was launched in conjunction with a publication in the magazine “Kamerbode” for which the leading image “Spider / Spin” was featured on the cover. The feature article explained the meaning of the work and how it was created. Furthermore, Tweede Kamer utilized the images in a private network campaign to provide educational background information, and to promote additional security measurements. Residents of the building and the public taking tours around The Dutch House of Representatives could find these images displayed in hallways, near the cafeteria, in open social spaces, and in elevators. After a period of several months of public display, the House of Representatives included the images in their permanent archive.

With this campaign Tobias hopes people will become aware of the fact that the digital world is here to stay, and we rely on it. Like the members of The Dutch House of Representatives, we should all be aware of the possibilities and risks this new world offers. A system is as safe as its own users.